Sigh \Sigh\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sighed; p. pr. & vb. n.
Sighing.] [OE. sighen, si?en; cf. also OE. siken, AS.
s[imac]can, and OE. sighten, si?ten, sichten, AS. siccettan;
all, perhaps, of imitative origin.]
1. To inhale a larger quantity of air than usual, and
immediately expel it; to make a deep single audible
respiration, especially as the result or involuntary
expression of fatigue, exhaustion, grief, sorrow, or the
like.
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2. Hence, to lament; to grieve.
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He sighed deeply in his spirit. --Mark viii.
12.
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3. To make a sound like sighing.
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And the coming wind did roar more loud,
And the sails did sigh like sedge. --Coleridge.
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The winter winds are wearily sighing. --Tennyson.
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Note: An extraordinary pronunciation of this word as
s[imac]th is still heard in England and among the
illiterate in the United States.
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